Health information guides

Test results, care before and after procedures, screening and vaccines: what Hong Kong official and professional sources say and who it applies to. No diagnosis; your own doctor decides for your case.

• Frozen shoulder (肩周炎, 凝肩, 五十肩): what to do? Symptoms, self-care, physiotherapy and which doctor to seeWhat are the symptoms of frozen shoulder? What the Department of Health Elderly Health Service says about its causes, care and physiotherapy, what the Primary Healthcare Commission's clinical guideline says about seeing a physiotherapist directly, and which specialty to see.Updated 2026-10-27
• Which doctor to see for knee pain or knee degeneration: how primary care handles it, when to see a specialist, public or privateWhich doctor should you see first for knee osteoarthritis? What the Health Bureau's reference framework on Common Musculoskeletal Problems says about diagnosis, imaging, treatment and referral to a specialist for knee osteoarthritis, and the public and private routes.Updated 2026-10-27
• Which doctor to see for low back pain: how primary care handles it, whether you need an MRI, and whether you can see a physiotherapist directlyWhich doctor to see for low back pain: how low back pain is handled in primary care, imaging, painkillers and referral, plus the arrangement for seeing a physiotherapist directly (reference framework on Common Musculoskeletal Problems, 2022; Primary Healthcare Commission, December 2025).Updated 2026-10-27
• Children's vaccinations: Maternal and Child Health Centre, school or private doctor? Who to ask about vaccines before travel?Should children get vaccinated at a Maternal and Child Health Centre, at school or by a private doctor? Who gives the vaccines in the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, how the School Immunisation Teams work, other vaccines at private clinics, and vaccine information before travelling with children.Updated 2026-10-25
• What is a CT scan? How long to fast, what to know about contrast, and whether you need a referral in Hong KongHow do I prepare for a CT scan, what happens, and what are the risks of contrast? From the Cancer Online Resource Hub's test description, hospitals' patient information and the Radiographers Board Code of Practice: uses, preparation, the procedure, contrast, pregnancy and referral routes.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is a mammogram? At what age, does it hurt, how to prepare, and subsidised screening or private in Hong KongAt what age should a mammogram start, does it hurt, and where can I have one? From the Department of Health breast cancer screening website, the Cancer Expert Working Group recommendations and a hospital imaging centre's instructions: recommendations, the procedure, preparation and routes.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is an ECG? Resting ECG vs 24-hour ECG, public or private, and how to prepare in Hong KongWhat does an ECG check, and how is a 24-hour ECG done? From hospitals' published test descriptions, a primary healthcare reference framework and Department of Health information: uses, public and private routes, and preparation.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)? What it checks, how a transoesophageal echo differs, and public or private in Hong KongWhat does an echocardiogram check, and how is a transoesophageal one different? From hospitals' published test descriptions and a primary healthcare reference framework: uses, how a standard and a transoesophageal echocardiogram differ, and public and private routes.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is an exercise ECG (treadmill test)? How it differs from a resting ECG and a coronary CT scan, and public or private in Hong KongWhat does an exercise ECG check, and how is it different from a coronary CT scan? From hospitals' published test descriptions and Centre for Health Protection information: uses, public and private routes, arrangements before the test and who decides.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is an MRI scan? What metal to remove, implants and claustrophobia, and how long it takes in Hong KongHow do I prepare for an MRI scan, what happens, and what if I have metal in my body or fear enclosed spaces? From the Cancer Online Resource Hub's test description, hospitals' patient information and the Radiographers Board Code of Practice: uses, preparation, metal and implants, the procedure, claustrophobia, contrast and pregnancy, and referral routes.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is an ultrasound scan? Fasting for a liver or upper abdominal scan, drinking water for a lower abdominal scan, the procedure and referral in Hong KongHow do I prepare for an ultrasound scan, what happens, and do I need a referral? From the Cancer Online Resource Hub's test description and the Radiographers Board Code of Practice: uses, preparation, the procedure, and public and private routes.Updated 2026-10-20
• What is an X-ray? How much radiation one X-ray gives, X-rays in pregnancy, the procedure and referral in Hong KongHow do I prepare for an X-ray, what happens, how much radiation is involved, and can I have one in pregnancy? From the Cancer Online Resource Hub, the Department of Health's Radiation Health Division, hospitals' patient information and the Radiographers Board Code of Practice: uses, the procedure, radiation dose, pregnancy and referral routes.Updated 2026-10-20
• Diabetic eye screening: what Hong Kong's primary care reference framework says, how often to have it, and what retinal photography isHow is diabetic eye screening done? How often to examine the eyes, retinal photography and referral to an ophthalmologist, and the optometrist assessment in the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network (Hong Kong Reference Framework for Diabetes Care, 2023 revised edition; Primary Healthcare Commission).Updated 2026-10-05
• Gestational diabetes: when and how is it tested? Antenatal check-ups at Maternal and Child Health Centres and the Hospital Authority, high-risk factors, what happens after diagnosis, and postnatal follow-upWhen is gestational diabetes tested for, and which pregnant women are at high risk? The antenatal check-up schedule and the guideline, including management after diagnosis, postnatal follow-up, and public and private antenatal care (Department of Health Family Health Service, Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists).Updated 2026-10-05
• Hepatitis B: how is it tested for? Blood tests, vaccination, higher-risk groups, the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme, and which specialty to see after diagnosisDo you need a blood test for hepatitis B, and who is at higher risk? Testing and vaccination, the arrangements of the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme, and follow-up after diagnosis (Department of Health Viral Hepatitis Control Office, Primary Healthcare Commission).Updated 2026-10-05
• How to quit smoking in Hong Kong: free quit-smoking services, the Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183, quit-smoking medications and Chinese medicine acupunctureHow can you quit smoking in Hong Kong? The free quit-smoking services listed by the Department of Health's Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office: the Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline, counselling and medications, Chinese medicine acupuncture, the Youth Quitline, and the Hospital Authority's smoking counselling and cessation centres.Updated 2026-10-05
• Lung cancer screening in Hong Kong: what the expert working group recommends, low-dose CT scans, and what heavy smokers should discuss with a doctorHow is lung cancer screening done in Hong Kong? The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening's 2023 recommendations for people at average risk and heavy smokers, the benefits and harms of low-dose CT scans, and how pack-years are calculated.Updated 2026-10-05
• Osteoporosis and bone density tests: does the Hong Kong Government offer screening, how DXA differs from ultrasound, and who is at higher riskHow is a bone density test read? DXA and ultrasound, T-scores and risk factors, and the position on osteoporosis screening (primary healthcare reference framework, Department of Health, Government replies to the Legislative Council).Updated 2026-10-05
• Screening for BRCA gene mutation carriers in Hong Kong: Cancer Expert Working Group recommendations and the genes listed by the Department of Health's Breast Cancer Screening Pilot ProgrammeAt what age does screening start for BRCA gene mutation carriers? The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening's screening recommendations for carriers of BRCA, Lynch syndrome and other gene mutations, and the genes listed by the Department of Health's Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme.Updated 2026-10-05
• What to look out for after a gastroscopy or colonoscopy? Eating, driving after sedation, test results and when to seek medical attentionWhen can you eat after a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, what should you look out for after a sedative, and when should you seek medical attention? What the Cancer Online Resource Hub and the Department of Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme say about care after the test, how results are given and when to seek medical attention.Updated 2026-10-05
• Abnormal mammogram result: what usually happens next? When is a breast MRI done?An abnormal mammogram result: what usually happens next? What the Cancer Online Resource Hub, the primary care reference framework and the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening say about further tests, referral to a surgeon and breast MRI.Updated 2026-10-03
• After cataract surgery: what to look out for at home? Are there any diet restrictions?What should you look out for at home after cataract surgery? Rest, diet, hair washing, medicines and follow-up after surgery, which specialty handles cataract, and how the timing of surgery is decided (Department of Health Elderly Health Service, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine).Updated 2026-10-03
• Child with a squint or lazy eye (amblyopia): see a paediatrician, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?Child with a squint or lazy eye (amblyopia): see a paediatrician, an optometrist or a paediatric ophthalmologist? What the Department of Health's Family Health Service says about squint, how preschool vision screening works, and referral after a failed screening.Updated 2026-10-03
• Does a positive faecal occult blood test mean colorectal cancer? What happens next?Does a positive faecal occult blood test mean you have colorectal cancer? What a positive result means, the follow-up consultation to explain it, the three colonoscopy referral options, and follow-up after the colonoscopy (Department of Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, Cancer Online Resource Hub).Updated 2026-10-03
• How to deal with acne: what to watch for with retinoids and acne creams, and whether you can squeeze spotsHow to deal with acne: reminders on topical acne products such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, advice on caring for acne in adolescence, and the public and private routes to dermatology (Department of Health Drug Office, Department of Health Student Health Service).Updated 2026-10-03
• Stroke warning signs: what to do when symptoms appear, what a mini-stroke is, and which specialty treats strokeWhat are the warning signs of stroke? The symptoms of stroke, why someone with symptoms should be taken to hospital as soon as possible, what a mini-stroke is, the risk factors, and which specialties are involved in stroke (Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health Elderly Health Service).Updated 2026-10-03
• Taking painkillers for a headache: what to watch for, what to do about a sudden severe headache, and who to see first if you are unsure which specialtyWhat to watch for when taking painkillers for a headache: the Department of Health Drug Office's reminders on painkillers, sudden severe headache as one of the symptoms of stroke (Centre for Health Protection, March 2026), and who to see first if you are unsure which specialty to see for a headache.Updated 2026-10-03
• What are the symptoms of arrhythmia? How it is treated, what to watch for when taking medicine, and which specialty to seeWhat are the symptoms of arrhythmia? Arrhythmia symptoms, treatment options, anti-arrhythmic drugs and blood thinners, plus what Cardiology deals with and heart test fees (Department of Health Drug Office, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine).Updated 2026-10-03
• What is the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test? What happens after an abnormal result?What is the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test? How the Department of Health's Cervical Screening Programme explains the two tests, further tests after an abnormal result, and the referral advice in primary care reference material.Updated 2026-10-03
• What should you watch in your diet after colorectal cancer surgery? Who do you ask about stoma supplies and care?What should you watch in your diet after colorectal cancer surgery? What the Cancer Online Resource Hub says about diet when caring for colorectal cancer patients, after laparoscopic colectomy and after discharge, plus the role of the stoma care nurse, activity after discharge and follow-up visits.Updated 2026-10-03
• Why are the armpit lymph nodes assessed in breast cancer surgery? How do you care for the wound and drain after surgery?Why might the lymph nodes need to be assessed before breast cancer surgery? What the Cancer Online Resource Hub says about axillary lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and care of the wound, drain and arm after surgery.Updated 2026-10-03
• With a family history of cancer, when do you need genetic counselling? Who arranges genetic testing?With a family history of colorectal or breast cancer, when are people referred for genetic counselling or genetic testing? The referral criteria, the screening and genetic testing recommendations for high-risk women, and the clinical genetic service taken over by the Hospital Authority from 2023 (Hong Kong Cancer Strategy 2019, Cancer Expert Working Group).Updated 2026-10-03